I dedicate this humble retablo to Saint Jude Thaddeus for the program “Chavo from the 8”. My brother and I were very much entertained with the program when we were kids. Although I’m an adult now, I’m still enjoying watching it—now with my children.

Carlos L. ~ Mexico City

I dedicate the present exvoto to Our Lady of Carmel thanking her for the creation of the fabulous tv-series “Money Heist”. Its frenetic action and entertaining story managed to keep millions of people around the world watching it. I became a fan since the first episode and can’t wait for the next season.

The night of November 1, I went to work in my taxi to make some dough. I met a lady on the highway who asked me to take her to one place. When we arrived I got goosebumps because there was a cross and the lady said that she had died here. With all might, I entrusted myself to Saint Benedict, and suddenly she disappeared and nothing happened to me. I dedicate this simple retablo for that.

Cosme Padilla, Mexico City

I had to move to live in Europe for many years because of work, and I couldn’t return to Mexico. I thank the Virgin of the Solitude with this retablo because thanks to the classic Mexican movies which I took with me I felt closer to my roots. Especially the movie “Maria Candelaria”. It was my grandparent’s favorite and I watched it with them when I was little.

I admire the paintings of the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. I thank Saint Rita with this exvoto because when I travelled to Mexico I visited the Modern Art museum to contemplate one of my favorite works—her self-portrait called “The Two Fridas”.

I wholeheartedly thank the Holy Child of Atocha because when I was a little boy I met the great Roberto Gomez Bolaños, Chespirito. Don Roberto’s fabulous talent gave to Hispanic America unforgivable characters like Chavo from the 8, Red Grasshopper, Chompiras and many others that played an important part in the childhood of many people.

Jasinto Romo, Mexico City

I dedicate this exvoto to Saint Augustine to honor the long and marvelous career of Christopher Lloyd. His many characters have brought joy and inspiration to millions of people, especially his role of Doc Brown in “Back to the Future”.

Rodrigo Vega \ Mexico City

I dedicate this exvoto, with all humility, to Saint Charbel to the health and continuing success of a marvelous actress Heather Langenkamp. She’s a wonderful example of beautiful and strong woman, and I’ve been admiring her for many years.

Ramon Ojeda, Mexico

By the medium of this exvoto, I thank Saint Raymond Nonnatus for the genius of David Cronenberg and his vision of “The Fly”. It’s one of my favorite movies and I’m always surprised by the strange beauty of this horror film.

David Romo — Mexico City

When I was a little boy, I watched the movie “It” and I was so traumatized by it that I had nightmares with the Pennywise clown. Even when I got to my adult age, I still lived with this fear. Then some friends recommended me to watch the new version to confront and overcome my trauma. But it only made it worse. Now I had nightmares with the both clowns. I thank Saint Benedict because, by entrusting myself to him, I finally can sleep in peace.

Mexico

I liked my neighbor very much, and we had a secret affair because she was married. To see each other, we took advantage of her husband often going to business trips. But the other night he suddenly came home. I had to jump out naked through the window so he wouldn’t see me. I thank Saint Charles Borromeo for no one saw me and I could get home. I promise not to get involved with married women anymore.

Facundo R. — Leon, Guanajuato

My son Manuel went to New York few years ago looking for a job. After much struggle, he managed to open his own small taco shop. But few weeks ago he got sick with coronavirus. I thank Saint Jude Thaddeus with this exvoto because he’s already recovered and got out from the hospital. I beg for the health of the Mexican fellow countryman who are infected and are suffering so far from their land and their families.

2020

I dedicate this exvoto to the great talent of the French painter Claude Monet. I admire his beautiful works full of color like his painting “Woman with a Parasol” and many other that made him the most important figure of the Impressionism and one of the best painters of 19th–20th centuries.

Mexico